Thursday, May 24, 2012

It's 11pm and I thought about copying and pasting a friend's post about Joson, but I just couldn't. I couldn't because, you see, he's worth more than that. This 15 year old child--and he is a CHILD--is worth my time and my sleep and whatever else I can afford to give him.

I first met Joson over 5 years ago... just a 10 year old kid with a big round head and the cutest stick-out ears ever! {He's in the red shirt, hugging Bright.} He was my son Bright's most loving foster brother at Daddy Paul's house. I was still new to Ghana and Joson did so much to make me and my son feel loved. Just a 10 year old boy, but the Father worked through him to help me feel loved. I remember calling my husband during that time and telling him, "Eric, I've never considered adopting an older child, but meeting Joson makes me think about it for the first time."

Before I left Ghana that trip, in a quiet voice, Joson asked, "Auntie Anita, will my parents come?" I didn't know what to say. I was only just starting AAI's program at the time and didn't know anything. I just smiled and said, "Maybe so Joson. Maybe so."

Time went on. Joson was stuck in a limbo that I won't go into here, but needless to say, there aren't many people lining up to adopt 10..11...12 year old boys. AAI wasn't allowed the chance to help Joson for a few years.

When I visited Ghana I would always visit Daddy Paul and the boys, including Joson. This bright eyed child with a smile on his face always greeted me with a hug--nevermind that he was now a young teenager! "Auntie Anita, will my parents come?" I had to tell Joson that he should pray and maybe one day he would be adopted. I had no better answer for him.

Things change and eventually through our program at AAI several children were cared for at Daddy Paul's foster home again. Several families began to meet Joson. Without fail, families would come back to America and ask me, What about Joson? Anita, can he be adopted? I was told that Joson couldn't be adopted, or that he was too old. I should have questioned this more, but I didn't. I didn't, and for this I owe Joson a lifetime of apologies.

When I visited Ghana a now very tall and lanky Joson would great me with long arms and the same bright smile. With a bit of embarrassment he asked, "Antie Anita, will my parents come?" This was only last year and I told Joson that I thought maybe he was too old to be adopted now, but maybe there would be some other way for him to go to America, and that everybody who visited Ghana loved him. He told me specifically of one or two families who he had a special connection with.

Later last year one of our AAI families came home asking again, "What about Joson Anita? Why can't he be adopted?" At this point something in my spirit said to ask again and to get real answers as to why he couldn't be adopted. And as it turned out, they were all assumptions in Ghana, mainly having to do with how old he was, but JOSON HAS ONE YEAR LEFT! ONE PRECIOUS YEAR!!!!

And guess what? One of those few precious families that Joson felt such a special connection to ALSO felt a special connection to him and has stepped out in faith to adoption him!!!!

This is where we come in folks! This is where we get to answer Joson's question, "WILL MY PARENTS COME?"

Joson's adoption fees are $12,000, of which his family has paid $4000. His family is also doing everything they can to save and raise funds for travel. $4000 of Joson's fees are due IMMEDIATELY so he can go to court. And the great news is that once those fees are paid, Joson could go to court in about 1 month! Remember, time is of the essence!! The last $4000 is due after court.

An annonymous donor has given a $4000 matching grant--$2000 to be given before court and $2000 after court. Isn't that awesome?!

We need just 4030 people to come along side us to give $100 towards Joson's adoption funds. [Or 80 at $50, or 160 at $25!] Can you do that for this 15 year old child who still so desires and deserves the love of a family?

Here's
the linkto the Adoption Advocates Internationalwhere people can make a tax-deductible
donation towards Joson's adoption. Folks simply need to designate "Grace Fund" and then write "Joson" in the blank spot below. They can also
make a donation by PHONE by
calling the office and asking for Kathy and letting her know that the donation
is for Joson: 360-452-4777.

I got a facebook message from Joson over Mother's Day weekend. First, it said, "I wish you a Happy Mother's Day Auntie Anita." Then, he asked me to please pass on his wishes to his new mom ,that she have a Happy Mother's Day, for he knows that he is to be adopted (just not WHO yet). Then, he asked, "Auntie Anita, when will my parents come?"

**Please, pass news of Joson's Journey on to others you know who may be able to contribute.

I have readers!

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The content on this blog is my personal opinion and not in any way associated with Adoption Advocates International. You may not copy any photos from this site for personal or professional use without my express written permission.